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1. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
Barbara Ash Aug 12, 2017 8:24 PM (in response to dugost)2 people found this helpfulGive as many search options as possible. This is an example from a job I did for Stanford University. The "SEARCH" bookmark opens the advanced search dialog box. The other bookmarks can be expanded to show a list of student names, a list of organization involved, and so forth. That gives users of the pdf many different ways to search. There should also be an table of contents page with links, and the table of contents should have it's own bookmark. Set up the PDF so that when it opens it defaults to opening with the bookmarks showing (File > Properties > Initial View).
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2. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
BarbBinder Aug 12, 2017 8:39 PM (in response to dugost)1 person found this helpfulHere's my observation: researchers already know how to work with PDFs and how to find what they are looking for. Unlike the general population who just thinks they know how to use Acrobat/Reader, professional researchers truly do. But if you are concerned, you might ask them what you can do to make their jobs easier.
~Barb
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3. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
Barbara Ash Aug 12, 2017 9:34 PM (in response to BarbBinder)Asking them is a great idea -- and so intuitive. That is exactly how I came up with the bookmarks for the project in my example -- by asking the client.
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4. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
Derek Cross Aug 13, 2017 12:56 AM (in response to dugost)2 people found this helpfulIt might be worth also posting this question in one of the Acrobat Forums: Acrobat
This conversation may be useful: https://macademic.org/2015/06/08/2693/
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5. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
Test Screen Name Aug 13, 2017 1:15 AM (in response to dugost)2 people found this helpfulYou should probably deliver PDF/A. This is designed to have higher standards of usability. Other PDF files can have this but PDF/A mandates them. Use the versions which require tagging and pay close attention to accurate tagging.
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6. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
jane-e Aug 13, 2017 2:09 PM (in response to Test Screen Name)3 people found this helpfulI agree with Test Screen Name
It has to be PDF/A (Archival). You can't do this directly from InDesign, but you can convert it within Acrobat as long as it meets the requirements. There are several flavors of PDF/A, varying from very strict to less strict.
For more info,
Look at the website for Acrobat Standards
PDF Association – The ISO Standard for Documents
There is a PDF Day in DC on Jan 29, 2018
PDF Day | Washington DC – PDF Association
There is an Adobe Forum for Standards (and Accessibility)
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7. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
dugost Aug 13, 2017 10:02 AM (in response to jane-e)Thanks, everyone, for your advice. I'll be sure to talk to the client some more and do some reading on PDF/A. I'll also be sure to have a linked ToC and bookmarks. All great ideas.
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8. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
Stephen_A_Marsh Aug 13, 2017 8:31 PM (in response to dugost)2 people found this helpfulWhen exporting to PDF, it will probably help that you have “Create Tagged PDF” and include “Bookmarks” checked (if in use).
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9. Re: Advice on creating a PDF or other files useful for researchers and archivists
dugost Aug 16, 2017 9:01 AM (in response to Stephen_A_Marsh)Fantastic tip. Thanks for that info. I've always wondered why copy and pasting from PDFs often creates problems. I'll definitely be creating tagged PDFs from now on with my presets. Cheers!